DES MOINES, Iowa (Mar. 30, 2026) — Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in partnership with Kim Reynolds, has awarded $40,000 in grant funding to support strategic growth initiatives across four rural communities through the state’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.
The funding, distributed through the Rural Building Ownership and Organization by Strengthening Teams (BOOST) program, provides $10,000 each to Clarion, Clear Lake, Redfield and Stanton. The program connects local leaders with technical experts to develop actionable plans for community and economic development, while also supporting implementation of those strategies.
“Rural communities across Iowa have strong visions for their future,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. “BOOST helps translate those ideas into tangible projects by aligning local leadership with the expertise and resources needed to drive long-term growth.”
Targeted Investments in Community Priorities
Each of the four communities will leverage BOOST funding to address specific local priorities tied to economic vitality, infrastructure and quality of place:
- Clarion (Wright County) is advancing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between downtown, the local high school and Lake Cornelia, enhancing access to a key regional tourism asset.
- Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo County) is developing strategies to expand attainable housing, addressing affordability challenges driven in part by a high concentration of seasonal and short-term rental properties.
- Redfield (Dallas County) is working to strengthen its community identity and attract new residents and private investment as growth accelerates in the greater Des Moines region.
- Stanton (Montgomery County) is implementing a wayfinding and marketing strategy aimed at increasing downtown visitation and capturing more economic activity from nearby highway traffic.
IEDA received seven applications during this funding round, selecting projects based on economic need, readiness, local partnerships and alignment with long-term development goals.
Supporting Rural Competitiveness
The Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, administered through IEDA’s Center for Rural Revitalization, is designed to support communities with populations under 20,000 that are not located near larger urban centers. All awarded projects require local matching funds, reinforcing community commitment and investment.
In addition to BOOST grants, the initiative offers programs focused on expanding housing availability and strengthening child care infrastructure—two critical components of rural workforce development and long-term economic sustainability.
Applications for the next round of funding will open July 1 and close August 26.
To learn more about Empower Rural Iowa programs, eligibility requirements or future grant opportunities, visit iowaeda.com/center-for-rural-
